These days it seems you can't get away from politics. Political ads are coming to your mailbox, politicians are visiting your community events, and they are even becoming the focus of hit TV shows like Veep, House of Cards, Scandal, and The West Wing.

Much of this will come to an end today, as it is Election Day in America. But in honor of this biennial occasion, we here at San Francisco Opera feel like we should share some of the pieces of advice we've learned about the political game from the operas that have graced our stage.

In Partenope, cross-dressing reveals deep truths about the human heart when Rosmira disguises herself as a man (Eurimene) to seek revenge on her former lover.

While this is one of the more creative ways in which women in trousers have graced our stage, the ‘trouser’ or ‘pants’ role is a common feature of opera. The trouser role comes in two forms: a woman plays a young man or boy who sing in the mezzo-soprano or contralto range, or sings a role that was originally written to be sung by a castrato or countertenor.

Partenope director, Christopher Alden, has enjoyed a lengthy career in opera. His production of Handel's Partenope, which opened at San Francisco Opera on October 15, earned Alden the coveted Olivier Award – the British equivalent of the Tony. The Olivier Awards are given to recognize excellence in the theatrical arts.

We asked Christopher Alden a few questions regarding his career and this brilliant productions. Check it out!

Introduction

Backstage at San Francisco Opera is a fascinating, fast-moving, mysterious and sacred space for the Company’s singers, musicians, dancers, technicians and production crews. Musical and staging rehearsals are on-going, scenery is loaded in and taken out, lighting cues are set, costumes and wigs are moved around and everything is made ready to receive the audience. From the principal singers, chorus and orchestra musicians to the creative teams for each opera, in addition to the many talented folks who don’t take a bow on stage, this blog offers unique insight, both thought-provoking and light-hearted, into the life backstage at San Francisco Opera.